WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Wausau Area Builders Association has delayed the 2020 Parade of Homes by three weeks because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The event is now set to run between June 23rd-28th, with hours each day staying the same. Tuesday-Wednesday times will be from 5 PM-9 PM, Thursday-Friday from noon to 9 PM, and Saturday-Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM.
Sam McLellan of Woodbury Custom Homes and a member of this year’s organizing committee says the delay is a chance for the COVID-19 conditions to improve, and it will allow buildings to complete the homes they are currently working on.
“Just pushing it back a couple of weeks was the best thing for everyone involved. It’s not going to change much, but it gives us builders enough time to get some of our materials [in place.] Also, it gives the virus a little more time to settle down. Hopefully, it becomes [a little safer] in a few more weeks. Times are changing at a rapid rate right now,” said McLellan.
Most contractors are experiencing some delays due to the pandemic. McLellan says that includes the shipping of materials such as doors, cabinets, and other fixtures that go into a new home. In some cases, the manufacturers or suppliers have slowed production to allow for safe distancing between workers in their factories. Other times those shipments have been delayed as companies like UPS and FedEx prioritize their deliveries.
He adds at no time was the parade in danger of being called off completely, it was just a matter of when the event would happen.
There will be some adjustments to the parade. McLellan says some homes may have a limit on the number of people that can be inside at a time. Most homes will have designated entrances and exits, and all will have plenty of hand sanitizer.
“We’re asking people to be flexible with us, and kind of roll with the punches as the parade goes on. We will be constantly tweaking and modifying [in order to] keep people safe.”
